If you're reading this, the odds are good that the weather outside is not so great. We get it. The weather in Pittsburgh is, well, often not the best.
But you're in luck! There are several great indoor activities in Pittsburgh that are perfect to enjoy on a rainy day.
So whether you're in the mood to hit a new museum, take in a movie, play pinball, or more, we've got some ideas for you!
Oakland is one of the most bustling neighborhoods in Pittsburgh thanks to being home to several universities, even more hospitals, and a strong residential community- primarily students.
As such, Oakland offers a unique dynamic as far as Pittsburgh neighborhoods are concerned in that it is busy at all hours of the day and has a wealth of attractions and restaurants worth checking out.
So let's share some of our favorite spots in this neighborhood guide!
Note: Oakland is a neighborhood whose businesses are often in flux. As such, businesses may change faster than we can keep up with. If you spot a place that has closed, please contact us.
We are big fans of all things mini golf, and when the indoor-themed mini golf course, Puttery, opened in the Strip District in 2023, we knew we had to go right away.
Themed mini golf courses seem to be a hot commodity as they combine uniquely designed courses with a restaurant and bar space to make for a place to spend an entire evening hanging out with friends.
Whether you want a drink and a meal before your course, a drink while playing, or a bit of everything, this 21+ establishment offers a ton of fun. That being said, this one comes at a price to match!
Spring in Pittsburgh is when things truly come to life, and we couldn't be happier to finally be able to shake off the winter cold.
While we think that most Pittsburghers hibernate in winter (us included), spring is the complete opposite. People start going out to explore, leaves start returning to the trees, flowers begin blooming, and many businesses start to open for yet another operating season.
The following are some of our favorite things to do when spring has sprung in southwestern Pennsylvania. Naturally, many involve getting outside!
We've been fortunate enough to visit Seven Springs in the Laurel Highlands on many occasions. Sometimes just to ski, others as a hotel base to explore the region at large (in nearly every season, too).
This has allowed us to experience most of the property, and in this one wanted to share more in a rather comprehensive review!
The Carnegie Science Center has a new temporary exhibition, running through early September 2023- Vikings: Warriors of the North Sea!
Naturally, as fans of all things Viking history and members of the Carnegie Museums, we had to get into this one to check it out on opening day.
While we will say that our visit to this one was quite brief, we did leave with a full appreciation for all things Viking Age. However, those who are visiting may want to combine this one with a full ticket to the Science Center to get the most out of your visit!
We are quite fortunate to have a number of ski resorts in the Laurel Highlands with slopes suitable for all skill levels.
But for those who are beginners to the sport, like myself, one property sticks out as being a stellar option for those looking to learn- Hidden Valley.
With several easy-to-navigate trails, modest on-site amenities, a wonderful staff, and a relaxed ambiance all around, Hidden Valley should be the first stop for those looking to learn to ski in the Laurel Highlands!
Sweetwater Center for the Arts is a rather impressive facility in Sewickley providing community classes ranging from creative writing to ceramics, oil painting to metalsmithing, classes for children to seniors, and everything in between. Throw on incredibly passionate instructors and you have an all-around destination not to be missed.
On our first visit, we were guests of Sweetwater for a media night to take in one of their new cooking classes which run a spectrum of themes (particularly with a strong international element that we are quite the fans of). Although our particular class had a curated menu for this special event which likely won't show up for a public experience (we made food from a mix of countries), the experience makes us want to book many more classes for future Pittsburgh date nights.
We always wondered what would go into the old movie theater space in South Side Works, and we have to admit an entertainment complex was not the first thing on our radar.
But when Columbus-based Pins Mechanical Co. announced they were opening a two-floor, 30,000-square-foot bar and gaming facility, complete with duckpin bowling, pinball, vintage arcade games, and more, we were intrigued.
We were fortunate enough to check this one out shortly after opening for a media event, and have to admit this one packs a punch (and then some)!
There is no shortage of great haunted houses in Pittsburgh.
But, in a way, many haunts follow a fairly standard blueprint. That is to say, you enter a themed area, walk through a linear path, and get scared at each and every turn.
For those who are looking for something just a bit different (or simply a solid haunt south of the city), Castle Blood, located in a 100-year-old funeral home in Monessen, entertains by being as much of a game as it is a place to be scared silly. To put it bluntly, you'll have to keep your wits about you to survive this one!